Fact file

Qualification

MSc Gravity, Particles and Fields

Duration

1 year full-time

Entry requirements

At least a second class honours (2:2) BSc degree (or equivalent from other countries) in Physics, Mathematical Physics or Mathematics, or joint degrees containing substantial elements of physics or mathematics.

Other requirements

Previous knowledge of mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and methods of mathematical physics (all as taught typically at BSc level 2) is required.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the physical principles and mathematical techniques of current research in general relativity, quantum gravity, particle physics, quantum field theory, quantum information theory, cosmology and the early universe.

Read full overview

The course provides an introduction to the physical principles and mathematical techniques of current research in general relativity, quantum gravity, particle physics, quantum field theory, quantum information theory, cosmology and the early universe.

The programme of study includes a taught component of closely-related modules in this popular area of mathematical physics. The course also includes a substantial project that will allow students to develop their interest and expertise in a specific topic at the frontier of current research, and develop their skills in writing a full scientific report.

This maths course will provide training in advanced methods in mathematics and physics which have applications in a wide variety of scientific careers and provide students with enhanced employability compared with undergraduate bachelors degrees. In particular, it will provide training appropriate for students preparing to study for a PhD in the research areas listed above. For those currently in employment, the course will provide a route back to academic study.

Key facts

The course is taught jointly by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

In the latest independent research assessment the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the school ranked 8th in the UK in terms of research power across the three subject areas within the School of Mathematical Sciences (pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and operational research).

International Student Satisfaction Survey

Second place ranking

The University of Nottingham has been ranked amongst the top universities in the UK for international student experience.

Nottingham enters the league table at number two in the International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014 and is one of only five UK universities to receive a rating of ‘outstanding’. The rankings are compiled by StudyPortals, an independent study choice platform covering more than 1400 universities in 40 European countries.

Course details

The course provides introductory material on general relativity and its mathematical language of differential geometry. This is followed by more advanced modules with applications to the study of black holes, cosmology and aspects of general relativity related to string theory. There is a year-long introduction to quantum field theory which introduces the famous Feynman diagrams of particle physics in a systematic way, and studies aspects of modern particle physics. There is also an introduction to the concepts of quantum information theory.

The maths course assumes students have a familiarity with quantum mechanics and special relativity at an introductory level. No prior knowledge of general relativity is assumed.

Taken full-time, the course lasts a full year, starting in one September and ending during the following September.

The course has a simple structure, consisting of 180 credits, split into 120 credits of taught modules during the autumn and spring semesters and a 60-credit research project that is completed in the summer period. All modules are compulsory.

Modules are mainly delivered through lectures and example and/or problem classes. You will typically be assessed by an examination at the end of the semester in which a given module is taught. However a small proportion of the assessment is by coursework, essay and student presentation.

During the summer period, you will concentrate on an independent maths research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff, writing a substantial dissertation.

Prerequisite Information

Here are a few maths books that can be used to brush up on prerequisite material.

Classical Mechanics - Classical Mechanics by Kibble and Berkshire (In particular, it is worth looking at Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics in Ch10, 11 and 12).

Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Mechanics Demystified by David McMahon

Special Relativity - Flat and curved space-times by George F. Ellis and Ruth M. Williams (The first part covers special relativity and the second part will be useful for the MSc course).

For the modules taught during the MSc, here are a few suggestions for preliminary reading that will introduce some of the ideas in a fairly non-technical way. These aren't supposed to cover all the module material but are there just to get you started.

General Relativity, black holes and cosmology: Flat and curved space-times by George F. Ellis and Ruth M. Williams.

Gravity: An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity by J.B. Hartle.

Quantum Field Theory: Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by A. Zee. This book has a very good discussion of the concepts but does get to quite advanced topics (some of which are not in the MSc).

QED The Strange Theory of Light and Matter, by R.P. Feynman.

Modules:

Differential Geometry The modern study of general relativity and particle theory requires familiarity with a number of tools of differential geometry. These are introduced in this module and include manifolds, tensors, symmetries, Lie Groups, connections and differentiation and integration on manifolds.

Quantum Information ScienceThe paradigm of Quantum Information Science (QIS) is that quantum devices made of systems such as atoms and photons, can outperform the present day technology in key applications ranging from computing power and communication security to precision measurements. Quantum information processing and the measurement and control of individual quantum systems are central topics in QIS, lying at the intersection of quantum mechanics with "classical" disciplines such as information theory, probability and statistics, computer science and control engineering.After a short review of the necessary probabilistic notions, the first part introduces the operational framework of quantum theory involving the fundamental concepts of states, measurements, quantum channels, instruments. This includes some of the influential results in the field such as entanglement and quantum teleportation, Bell's theorem and the quantum no-cloning theorem. The second part covers at least two topics.

Gravity The module is an introduction to general relativity and the observed gravitational phenomena that are explained by the theory. Topics include: elementary geometry, a revision of special relativity, the physical basis of general relativity, the metric and Einstein's equation, the Schwarzschild solution and observational tests of general relativity, gravitational collapse to a black hole.

Quantum Field Theory Quantum Field Theory is the study of the quantum dynamics of relativistic particles. The module gives the quantum description of the electrons, photons and other elementary particles, including a discussion of spin, and bosons and fermions. Lectures will provide an introduction to functional integrals, Feynman diagrams, and the standard model of particle physics.

Advanced GravityIn this course we will develop the ideas behind General Relativity (GR) to an advanced level. As we will explain, GR is based on the geometry of four dimensional spacetime, the curvature of which is governed by the Einstein’s equations. Some solutions to these equations will be presented, including black holes and cosmological solutions. Gravity in the weak field limit will be derived from the full theory, demonstrating how one should understand the gravitational interaction in terms of graviton exchange. The course will then move on to advanced topics. This includes modified gravity models (eg models with extra dimensions) that are at the forefront of current research.

Black Holes General relativity predicts the existence of black holes which are regions of space-time into which objects can be sent but from which no classical objects can escape. This module uses techniques learnt in Differential Geometry to systematically study black holes and their properties, including horizons and singularities. Astrophysical processes involving black holes are discussed, and there is a brief introduction to black hole radiation discovered by Hawking.

Modern Cosmology This module introduces students to the key ideas behind modern approaches to our understanding of the role of inflation in the early and late universe, in particular through the formation of structure, the generation of anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the origin of dark energy. Topics include: a brief review of Friedmann models and hot big bang, inflation and why it is required, fluctuations from inflation, structure formation, gravitational lensing: what it is, and using it to detect dark matter, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, dark energy, the cosmological constant, extra dimensions, modified gravity, and the string landscape.

Gravity, Particles and Fields Dissertation In this module a substantial investigation will be carried out on a topic related to the taught modules of the course. The study will be largely self-directed, with oversight and input provided where necessary by a supervisor from the School of Mathematical Sciences or the School of Physics and Astronomy. The topic will be chosen by agreement between the student and supervisor. The topic could be based on a theoretical investigation, a literature review, or a combination of the two.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing the course should have demonstrated:

Knowledge and understanding of a range of mathematical core concepts and results in gravitation and quantum theory.

Knowledge and understanding of some advanced concepts and techniques related to current research in gravitation and quantum theory.

Awareness of some current problems and new insights in gravitation and quantum theory.

Conceptual understanding that enables the critical evaluation of current research, methodology or advanced scholarship.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Funding

UK/EU Students

Tuition Fees

Postgraduate loans

The government have announced new postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 for students studying a taught or research masters course commencing in September 2016/17.

These loans will be a contribution towards the costs associated with completing a postgraduate masters course and can be used towards tuition fees or living costs as you decide. The loan is non means tested and will be paid directly to you, the student, rather than the University.

If you are a home student or have UK residential status you will be eligible for a government loan and in some cases EU students may also be eligible.

International Students

Tuition Fees

International and EU students

The University of Nottingham offers a range of masters scholarships for international and EU students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study.

Applicants must receive an offer of study before applying for our scholarships. Please note the closing dates of any scholarships you are interested in and make sure you submit your masters course application in good time so that you have the opportunity to apply for them.

The International Office also provides information and advice for international and EU students on financing your degree, living costs, external sources of funding and working during your studies.

Careers

Average starting salary and career progression

In 2015, 96% of postgraduates in the School of Mathematical Sciences who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,320 with the highest being £35,000.*

*Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2014/15. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Career prospects and employability

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers* and can offer you a head-start when it comes to your career.

Our Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops – and once you have graduated, you will have access to the service for life.